27 Oct 2012

Impressing the agency


The third post about becoming a plus size model. This is how to get into an agency and the way to get some jobs.

The agency
There's so many agencies, but few with plus size models. So check out which agencies that would be interesting for you. Call them up, hear about them, and talk about contracts, jobs and the more practical stuff.  Check their website and look at the models that are in the same style as you, does it seem like they have had jobs? Does the agency really have working models?
When talking to the agencies you are now able to rank and prioritize them. If you have a small portfolio, you should then start with your favourite agency and show them your images, if you are lucky, they like them and they will add you to the agency.

Though sadly, a lot of agencies don't make contracts with models they are not sure about, models they don't think will be the biggest "cash cow". Therefore if you don't receive a contract, they are not obliged to give you any amount of jobs or salary. But then you are also free to leave if a better offer comes along, as far as I know.

3 agencies known for their plus size models:

Art:st - A new interesting agency, which could be interested in plus size models.

I am in a agency and have been for about half a year, though without a contract. Though I never really hear from them, they haven't helped me to expand my portfolio and they haven't given me any jobs. All the images I have, is something I pro-actively have taken care of myself, also the shoot for Q and Woman. My first paid job was also something I got from being active in the different networking groups. I am actually thinking of changing my agency, I just have to find the time to talk to the others agencies and see what they can offer me.

The Contract
Remember to read through the contract, maybe you should have some else to read it through, you always need to be 100% sure when sign a contract or similar document.
Questions you should ask:
  • Do you need to pay to be a part of the agency? Leave, you shouldn't pay anything to be a working model in an agency.
  • Are you restricted to one agency? Some agencies are restricted and does not allow their models to be in other agencies. Make sure to check this, both for international and national agencies.
  • Jobs? Do they promise you a number of jobs per month or year?
  • Images? Will they help you with your portfolio? Do they have contacts to photographers, makeup artists and stylists?
  • What is their rate? Your payment rate per hour. Some agencies has different rates they offer their clients, they of course take a percentage, but mostly will go to you.
  • Your look? Try to find out how much they would like to decide how you should look, will they ask you to loose or gain weight etcetera. Can you live with an agency that will try to change you? If not, find another agency, but remember this business everyone has an opinion about your look both positive and negative!
At last, remember, if people promise you too much, they often can't deliver. Don't be a fool, there are so many manipulative people in this business so take care of yourself and always trust yourself and your instincts.
My portrait for the Q shoot, which is quite funny, as I would never have my hair like this -it's to combed, sleek and pretty! So remember people will often style you very differently than you would yourself, which can be both positive and negative ;)

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